Case Report: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with cor triatriatum sinistrum: the pivotal role of intracardiac echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with cor triatriatum sinistrum: the pivotal role of intracardiac echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping

  • By

  • Mingjie Lin

  • Nan Yang

  • Jing Kong

  • Jingquan Zhong

  • Kai Zhang

  • May 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in CTS

Overview

This case study highlights the successful catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with cor triatriatum sinister, emphasizing the critical role of intracardiac echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping. The findings suggest that advanced imaging techniques can significantly enhance procedural outcomes in patients with complex cardiac anatomy.

Background

Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital heart defect that complicates the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). With a prevalence of 0.1%–0.4% among congenital anomalies, it poses unique challenges for catheter ablation due to its complex left atrial structure. Understanding the arrhythmogenic mechanisms in CTS is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies in affected patients.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was essential for guiding transseptal puncture and delineating atrial chambers.
  • Electroanatomic mapping revealed a high-voltage area at the fibromuscular membrane, contrary to expectations of a low-voltage zone.
  • The patient presented with persistent AF and had a 30.5 mm membrane with a 15.1 mm fenestration orifice.
  • ICE facilitated safe navigation and catheter contact in the complex anatomy of CTS.
  • Less than 20 cases of AF ablation in CTS have been reported, highlighting the rarity of this condition.

Clinical Implications

The use of ICE and electroanatomic mapping can significantly improve the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation procedures in patients with complex congenital heart defects like CTS. Clinicians should consider these advanced imaging techniques to enhance procedural outcomes and minimize complications.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of individualized ablation strategies and advanced imaging in managing atrial fibrillation in patients with cor triatriatum sinister. Further studies are needed to establish standardized approaches for similar cases.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Yamada et al., Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2021 -- Catheter Ablation of Persistent Ventricular Tachycardia from the Anterolateral Papillary Muscle Using Ablation Index Guidance
  2. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2020 -- Left-sided thoracotomy for catheter-based ablation of scar-associated ventricular tachycardia in cases with limited pericardial access
  3. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2021 -- Outcomes and Risks Associated with Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Arrhythmias: Evaluating the VT Ablation Risk Score (RIVA)
  4. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation, European Heart Journal, 2024 -- Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines
  5. Clinical Research in Cardiology — Ablation Therapy for the Short-Coupled Variant of Torsade de Pointes
  6. Pulsed Field or Conventional Thermal Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation - American College of Cardiology
  7. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic

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